January 29 – God Meant it for Good

Continuing Genesis 50

After Jacob died Joseph’s brothers were again feeling guilty about selling him and expected him to take revenge.  They said that Jacob wanted Joseph to forgive them---and they “fell down before him.”

Again with the “bowing down.” 

Joseph gives his classic response (v.30), “Don’t be afraid…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” 

It was God who provided.  Just as He provided for all of Jacob’s family in Egypt, He will provide for us, wherever we are.  Trust in Him and set the table.  Put out your good crystal and fine china.  No mediocre meal for us whenever the Lord is with us.  Isn’t that how it should be?  Choose---and remember that He promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy and Hebrews).  I like to think that Jesus hasn’t’ forgotten the recipe for manna.  

Manna was considered spiritual food, as well as physical nourishment.

Date-Manna Bread

For this recipe, use organic wheat. Much of our wheat is now treated with the herbicide Roundup to “ripen it quickly.” This kills most of the seeds and they will not sprout. Sprout the wheat in large jar or sprouting bowl. Soak the wheat for a few minutes; then invert the container to drain most of the water. Repeat this several times as necessary. When the sprouts are ½ to ¾ the length of the grains of wheat, they are ready. In a warm house, it is possible to start the process before supper, repeat the soaking before going to bed and then again the next morning; the wheat will usually be ready that evening. If it is ready too soon, put it in the refrigerator until you can use it.

·         2 cups sprouted organic wheat

·         flour as needed

·         ½ lb. dates

·         1 cup raisins

·         ¼ tsp. cloves

·         ¼ tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Place the sprouted wheat in a food processer and whirr it until it is ground up and pasty.  Add flour until it is doughy.  Add dates, raisins and spices and process a little more to mix. Form into small loaves or one larger loaf.  For variation, use your imagination and add apples, orange juice, basil, or sun dried tomatoes to suite your own taste.

Bake for a long time in a slow oven (300 degrees for about 2.5 hours)

Yield: 12 servings

Source: Adapted from Barb Beck, “Date-Manna Bread recipe,” FatFree.com: The Low Fat Vegetarian Recipe Archive, www.fatfree.com/recipes/breads-quick/date-manna-bread.